What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a recurrent inability to obtain or maintain a firm and strong penile erection. This disrupts the sexual life of the individual and also his partner. Occasionally a men can suffer from ED. But repeated inability to achieve or maintain a firm and strong penile erection suggest of an underlying medical condition.
There are various causes of developing erectile dysfunction. The causes are broadly classified into two categories- Physical and Psychological.
What are the Different Causes of Developing Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction occurs as a result of lack of blood flow to the penile region. At times, the blood flow problems develop because of damage to the endothelium or smooth muscles in the penile region. This damage can occur due to high blood pressure or addictions such as smoking. If the endothelium or smooth muscle is damaged. The penile organ may not be able to function normally again.
High cholesterol level and high sugar levels can also interfere with the blood flow, resulting in development of erectile dysfunction.
Exercise and Erectile Dysfunction
Exercise is necessary for overall fitness. Regular exercise also helps men with ED. Exercise is excellent for circulatory system. It helps to maintain adequate flow of blood throughout the body. Exercise does more than just improving the blood flow.
Exercise helps man to stay fit and active. It helps to keep his weight under control as obesity is a predisposing factor for development of ED. It may also help to boost the testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone, which is responsible for sexual drive in men.
Exercise also helps to reduce stress and anxiety in a person. Stress is the main psychological reason that is responsible for causing erectile dysfunction.
Thus, a person should engage in some of exercise every day. Pelvic exercises are the most beneficial for ED. However, aerobic exercise can also help. One can engage in cycling, boxing, running, skipping etc.
Other Treatment Options
There are several other treatment options for ED. The introduction of comparatively safe and effective oral therapy in the form of selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5) has largely helped the patients suffering from erectile dysfunction. These are oral medications.
The most commonly recommended PDE-5 inhibitors are Sildenafil citrate, Tadalafil and Vardenafil. Sildenafil citrate is considered as the gold standard in treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is famous by name of Viagra.
The discovery of Sildenafil citrate tablets has improved the sexual lives of millions of men all over world. It was first oral drug to be approved for use in erectile dysfunction by FDA in the year 1998. It is a prescription medicine and is not habit forming. Its action lasts for duration of four to five hours on an average.
Medicines are the most convenient way of managing ED. They are easy to consume and they provide quick results.
Penile pumps, penile prostheses, lifestyle modifications and surgery are some other ways in which ED can be managed. Surgery is only considered if all other treatment options fail.